Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 04:27:46 -0800 (PST)
From: John Michaels <mmanlookin@yahoo.com>
Subject: Discovering Jayson - Chapter 2

			    DISCOVERING JAYSON
				    BY
				    JM

Email:  mmanlookin@yahoo.com

Disclaimers and other info:  see chapter one

I heard from a reader who hails from the part of the state where this story
takes place, and I apologize in advance to him and any others for any
misstatements about the locale or populace.  I simply chose the place
randomly and have no personal knowledge of the area other than what I've
been able to find Googling.  I freely admit that sometimes I take a great
deal of poetic license in my writing, so no insult or injury is intended in
what you will read as the story goes along.  Please just consider it for
what it is: entertainment.  And please, folks.  If you want to continue to
enjoy the vast wealth of material found on Nifty, help them to keep it a
free service, while also showing your appreciation for their efforts by
sending whatever amount you can to http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html.
Thanks!!

				CHAPTER TWO


As I got out of my car, I paused in the hot, humid air to look over the
building before me.  I shamefully admit that I was damn proud of what I was
able to get built.  From the outside, it simply looked like a large squat
cinder-block building with a metal roof that comfortably fit into the
surrounding community and landscape.  It's what you couldn't see that made
me the proudest.

This building was state of the art in every regard.  That seemingly
ordinary metal roof was, in fact, a work of art in its own right.  It was
much heavier than it looked and was guaranteed to withstand hurricane winds
of up to 200 miles per hour.  Since the most severe to hit the US had winds
of 175 miles per hour - and that was on the coast - this roof would
hopefully withstand anything Mother Nature could throw at it.  And hidden
beneath that roof were the air ducts and changers that were connected to
the industrial-size air conditioner, hidden inside a well-insulated,
noise-deadening shed just to my left as you face the building.  To the
casual observer, it just looked like an ordinary storage shed.  It also
housed a heat pump for those damp cooler days, and all the equipment and
piping was well-hidden, as were the vents inside.  Inside, there were large
ceiling fans that helped move the cool (or heated) air, giving the
impression that it was the insulating nature of the cinder block and the
fans that kept the inside comfortable for all.  These were a poor but proud
people that the Center served, and anything that smacked of fancy or
"hi-falutin'" was looked upon with disdain and pretty much shunned.  The
Center's goal was to help as many people as possible, and in order to be
able to do that, we had to first make them feel comfortable and not
intimidated by too much "rich folk" stuff.

The building itself was of extremely sturdier construct than met the eye.
It was heavily reinforced and insulated, with windows that held the best
e-glass available, so it was very easy to always keep a constant and
comfortable temperature.  The total cost was a hell of a lot more than what
met the eye should have cost, but only the architects, the construction
crew and I knew the building's true worth in every sense of the word.  The
people happily accepted this welcome addition to the community, and that's
all that mattered.

The building itself is a 5000 square foot rectangle, 100 feet long and 50
feet wide, and was divided into 4 sections.  The kitchen took up 25x50 feet
of that space at one end of the building, with 2 walk-in freezers and a
walk-in refrigerator.  The rest of the area contained 2 commercial-grade
stoves, each with double ovens, a bank of 4 additional wall ovens,
commercial-grade, 2-door refrigerator, dish washer, large double sink and
stainless steel counter tops for prep work.  With all the equipment, it
left just enough room for 4 people to work efficiently and comfortably, and
up to 6 people, if they didn't move around too much.  There were double
swinging doors that led into the dining room, each only able to swing one
way to prevent collisions, with a large pass-through just to their left.
The dining room, as well as the rec room beyond it, was 30x50 with 8 long
tables that could seat 50 people - 65 in a pinch.  If it got really
crowded, the wall between the dining and rec rooms could be retracted,
effectively doubling the seating space.  There was a large double fireplace
in the middle of the wall that opened through to the rec room beyond and
gave a welcome warmth and ambiance on the cooler days of the winter month
to both areas.  The rec room is the same size as the dining room, with
several comfortable seating areas, each with a large sofa, that could hold
up to four comfortably, and several padded wing-back chairs, with one of
the areas focused on the 60" flat screen HDTV.  There was also a play area
for kids in one corner and several shelves containing books that people
would bring in and share and/or exchange as well as a selection of board
games.  There were also handicap-accessible restrooms in each section,
including a room with four shower stalls in the back section.  We had our
own water and sewer system, as well as a back-up generator that would keep
the refrigerators and freezers working, as well as the heating/cooling
system, so we could be completely self-sufficient in case of emergency.  We
were also the area emergency shelter, and we were well equipped and
prepared for any natural disaster.

In all, it was a very pleasant space that was also the center for our elder
care program as well as community outreach.  We had several elderly men and
women use the service, a few of whom were there every week day, and some
just a few times a week or even less frequently, since the folks they were
living with, usually family of some sort, had to work or just plain needed
an occasional break.  We were blessed to have been able to hire a very
competent nurse Jackie Essex, who had retired early to take care of her own
parents who lived in town, both of whom had passed on within 2 years and
within a week of one another.  Not really wanting to go back to her old
job, she jumped at the chance to work at the Center, and everyone loved her
for her warm, gentle, and loving nature.  She was helped by a county nurse
who came in for 3 half days, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and between
the two of them, they would hold an open clinic to treat anyone with minor
ailments, regardless of age, that cropped up in the community.  There were
also several high school kids, boys and girls, who came in voluntarily
after school and during vacations to read to the older folk, play board
games, or simply sit and talk - mostly just listen - to tales from days
gone by.  Which brings us to the far end of the building, the remaining
15x50 feet, where there were 4 small rooms for use by the nurses for
examination and treatment, one of which was my office, and the shower room.
There were also 3 main doors on the front of the building, each with a
small vestibule with doors at both ends to help cut any heating or cooling
loss, and each leading into an individual area, the kitchen being the only
one without it's own front entrance.  I was now headed in to work on some
bookkeeping and to look over the list of things I'd need to order for the
kitchen and the Center in general in my office at the far end, walking
through the length of the building so I could see how things were going and
greet any clients that were there.

"Hey, Boss!" boomed Jesse, with a huge grin, as I walked into the kitchen.
"'Bout time y'all got your lazy ass outta bed and got to work!"  He had
been a godsend who arrived on the scene just when we needed him most.

Jesse Martin was a large, African-American, who had taken an early
retirement from the Navy after 20 years and had moved back to his hometown.
He had been a cook on a Navy destroyer and had the skills and know-how to
feed large numbers of people at the drop of a hat.  He stood 6'6", and
weighed about 275 pounds, none of it fat.  He was easy-going and affable,
and everybody loved him, and he and I had a relaxed rapport with more than
a bit of humor involved.  He always seemed to be in a good mood and wasn't
afraid to show it.  He was a gentle giant and always made time to go around
and talk to any of the elderly who happened to be in on any given day, and
they all thought the world of him and his cooking.

But when it came to his kitchen, he was all business and had a way of
getting others to do what was needed without loosing his good nature, even
under pressure.  He was one of only two to get a small salary, and even
then, we had to coerce him to take it.  I had finally convinced him it was
only fair, since he also took care of inventorying and getting the order
list ready each week as well as scheduling all the volunteers.  We had a
small group of kitchen volunteers that rotated, so that there were always
at least two others helping him at any given time and always a couple on
call, just in case they were needed.  But it was Jesse who kept the kitchen
running smoothly, and always with a smile.  The only time I heard his
temper was when a supplier had sent the wrong order at a time when that
sort of thing had the biggest negative impact.  I swear the phone lines
must have melted between the Center and the supplier, as he shouted his
extreme displeasure, calling into question the pedigree of the parents of
those responsible, and informed the company just what they were going to do
to make things right.  It ended up with the VP of sales from the company,
himself, who arrived with the correct order not 2 hours later, and Jesse
convinced the man that if they wanted to keep our business, not only would
this never happen again, but that the company would donate the all the
things from the wrong order to the Center.  The poor salesman was literally
shaking and looked like he was about to piss himself when Jesse got done
with him, and not only had there not been a single problem since, we got to
keep the extra stuff with no charge.  But now, it looked like Jesse was in
one of his playful moods, so it looks like a day of friendly sparring is in
store.

"And just what time does that clock over there say?" I asked, crossing my
arms in response.

"8:30, and yeah, I know you're not scheduled 'til 9:00, but I need the time
to give you grief before I start my day.  It's the most important part of
my job," he said, grinning.  "That way, I can get it out of my system and
be all sweetness and light and my usual wonderful self the rest of the day
for the folk that really matter around here."

"You're incorrigible!" I exclaimed, trying hard - and failing - to keep the
grin off my face.  "With all the abuse you heap on me, I don't know why I
keep you around."

"'Cuz y'a love me and can't live without me," he replied, coming over and
wrapping his huge arms around me and planting a big wet kiss on my
forehead.  I couldn't hold it in any longer and started laughing.

"All right, you big shit!" I laughed.  "Knock it off."  I could both hear
and feel the rumble of his chuckle in his chest.  "What's on the agenda for
today?"  He stepped back but kept his arm on my shoulder.

"I put the food and kitchen supplies order on your desk," he said, suddenly
looking serious.  "That damn list seems to get bigger every month, and I
hate what that implies."  I knew exactly what he meant.  This damn economy
was driving more and more people down to the point where they needed our
services just to squeak by.  As odd as it seems, the less busy we are, the
happier we are.  It means things are going better for folks I sighed and
stepped away.

"Anything else I should know?" I asked.

"Well, since you asked, we could use another server or two for the dining
room," said.  "Since we seem to be getting busier, the extra help would be
nice."

"I'll see what I can do, but it's always hard finding people who are
willing to give up several hours at split times during lunch and supper," I
sighed.  I seem to be doing a lot of that lately.  "Maybe since school just
got out we could find a couple of school kids willing to help.  I'll call
around and see what I can find.  By the way, something's already beginning
to smell good in here.  You've been busy already.  What's on the menu?"

"Well," he said, " for lunch, I got barbeque pulled pork sandwiches with
cole slaw and hush puppies, and for supper we're gonna have meat loaf,
mashed sweet potatoes and collard greens."

"Damn!  That sounds great," I exclaimed.  "I'm damn glad we crossed paths.
You're the one of the best things to happen to this place."

"Hey!" he huffed, but clearly pleased with my praise.  "Don't y'all start
gettin' nice to me!  I'll start feeling guilty when I get the urge to give
you a ration of shit."

"I don't think that would stop you," I laughed.  "You'd explode if you
didn't get to throw your barbs.  See y'a later."  I punched him lightly on
the arm and walked out of the kitchen toward my office, his laughter
ringing through the building.

Walking though the dining room, I noticed everything was neat and clean,
ready to be set up for lunch.  There were two senior clients already in the
rec room, a man, Joe Mason, and a woman, Laura Chalmers, both in their
mid-seventies and at the moment, in the middle of a cut-throat game of
checkers.  I stopped to say hello, and they both greeted me with big
smiles.  Joe informed me that she was an easy warm-up partner getting ready
to challenge others when they got in. Laura quickly retorted that she was
"gonna show this ole fool how the game is really played and whomp his ass
good!"  They had both lived in the community all their lives and had been
good friends since elementary school, and it was always a hoot to hear the
banter between them.  After wishing them both luck, I went into the office
block, hoping to catch our full-time nurse, Jackie Essex, so I could get
her list of needed medical supplies for when I made my ordering calls later
in the morning.  She was another blessing for the center, having left her
nursing job at a hospital in Jacksonville, FL, to come home and take care
of her ailing parents.  When both passed away within a week of one another
last year, she decided to take an early retirement and remain here, living
in the family home.  Even though she had a modest retirement income from
her years of nursing and could have simply relaxed, it wasn't long before
the working itch struck just about the same time we decided to hire a
full-time nurse for the Center.  It was a match made in heaven!  She is
kind, caring, compassionate and extremely competent, and there's no doubt
in anyone's mind that she loves her job and her elder charges.  I know for
a fact that she's gone out late at night to see some of the center's
clients medical problems that may have occurred after hours, and if more
drastic attention was needed, she knew all the local doctors and was on a
first-name basis with many of the social workers, and always ensured that
her patients got the best possible care.  We're so lucky and grateful to
have her working with us.  I found her in one of the examination rooms with
a clipboard, checking the cupboards to see what needed to be replaced.  She
told me she was almost done and would drop off the order sheet shortly.
Thanking her, I went to my office to go over the books and see what needed
to be paid today.

Booting up the computer, I logged in and opened the bookkeeping program.
Going through the stack of receipts and bills, I entered each in the
appropriate column, and then I went through to pay the bills that were due.
The software allowed me to print checks on the Center's account , the
screen showing a copy of a blank check.  I simply typed in the necessary
info, pushed send, and a valid check was spit out by the laser printer just
waiting for a signature.  During the time I was doing the books, Jackie
came in with her completed order form.  I paused what I was doing and asked
if there was anything else not on the list that she needed.  She sighed and
said that there were always things that were wanted, but that we had
everything we needed.  I told her to keep her wish list active.  Maybe
Santa would think she was a good girl.  She chuckled, and went off to see
to her "senior friends", as she called them.

After completing my bookkeeping duties, I got down to ordering.  Although
there were only three forms - kitchen, nursing and general - which included
things like toilet paper, mops, cleaning supplies, etc. - there were
several different suppliers we used on each one for specific items.  The
one I was least looking forward to was the one you would have thought would
be most helpful - government surplus.  Whenever I had to request an order
from them, you'd think I was asking for the moon, and when they finally
agreed to send at least most of what we needed, you would have thought
they'd just really put themselves out by granting you the biggest favor
ever.  I always called them first, not only to get the unpleasantness out
of the way, but in case there was something on the list they didn't have, I
could add it to the order from one of our regular suppliers.  It pissed me
off when I had to do this, because they sent us a monthly list of their
available inventory that was also sent to other help centers in the region,
and we based our order with them on that list.  Anything I wasn't able to
get from them took money out of our carefully-constructed budget, and I'm
convinced that the things they said they didn't have for me that had been
on the list were going to places with more political clout.  It wasn't so
much the money issue, since I can always quietly slide more into the
account.  It was the principle of the thing.  So much for "all men are
created equal" !

It was 11:30 by the time I was finished in the office, and I decided I'd
head out toward the kitchen to see how things were going.  The dining room
was about half full, but I expect more to arrive closer to noon.  I stopped
to chat with a few people and was just getting ready to push through the
door into the kitchen, when I happened to notice a young man, standing by
himself in the corner by the door and looking decidedly nervous.  I'm
pretty good with remembering names and faces, and I don't recall seeing him
before, so I took a detour to introduce myself.  As I got closer, I could
see that he was an older teen, maybe 17 or 18, and when he saw me
approaching, his nervousness seemed to increase.

"Welcome to the Community Center," I said, as I came up to him, hand
extended.  "I'm Eric Matheson, director of the facility.  I don't think
I've seen you before."

"Umm, no sir," he said quietly, with his head down.  Then, noticing my
hand, he wiped his palm on his shorts before giving taking my hand and
giving it a quick shake.  "Umm, we just moved here last week.  My Gramma
and me.  This is the first time I've been in here.  Oh, umm.  I'm Jayson
Brant, spelled with a 'y'."

"Welcome to town, Jayson, and nice to meet you" I said.  "And please don't
feel nervous to be here.  We're here to help anyone who needs it.  As you
can see, you're not the youngest one here."  I indicated several young
children with their families.

"No, sir, umm, I mean, I understand, sir," he stammered nervously.  "It's
just that I don't know if you can really help me."

"OK.  First, let's stop with the"sir" stuff," I said, smiling.  "That's way
too formal for the likes of me.  Please call me Eric, like everyone else."

"OK, si.., umm, Eric," he replied with a shy smile.

"Now, suppose you tell me why you think we might not be able to help you,"
I said.

"This is so embarrassing," he said, visibly squirming.  "But, you see, it's
like this.  My gramma and I moved here 'cuz she grew up here and has a
place about 2 miles out of town that way."  He pointed in the direction I
traveled to get home.

"Hmm," I grunted.  "I live out that way, too, and I don't recall seeing
anyone moving in."

"You can't really see it from the road," he replied, still clearly
uncomfortable.  "It sits back in toward the Swamp about a mile."

"My place is a little farther along, and my road is also back toward the
Swamp," I said.  "But tell me why you think we might not be able to help
you."  He took a big sigh.

"Well, it's my Gramma," he said.  "She broke her leg and can't get around.
The little money she had saved for us to live on 'til she could get a job
got used up in the medical expenses, and we've run out of food.  I was
hoping you would let me take some food to her, but it looks like people
come here to eat."

"Since you just moved here, you probably aren't aware that the Center has a
free van that will pick folks up, bring them here and take them home
again," I said.  "They will also deliver meals to those who aren't able to
leave their homes."

"Yes, sir...I mean, Yes Eric," he said, quickly.  "I did hear about it, but
there's no way a van, or just about any vehicle, can get down our road.  It
hasn't been used or worked on for years, and ain't much more than a goat
path now.  And there's no way Gram could get to the end of the road.  Her
cast goes from her hip right to her foot, and the doctor told her she's to
stay off it completely for at least month."  A plan began forming in my
mind.  Sir Eric and Lady Jackie to the rescue, maybe!  Well, hopefully,
anyway. In the meantime, I could hear this poor kid's stomach growling.

"Your gramma isn't the only one that needs food," I said, placing my hand
on his shoulder and beginning to steer him to an empty table nearby.  "So
do growing teens.  Have a seat here, and I'll get us something to eat and
drink.  Then we'll take care of your Gramma."  He sat down, with his hands
folded meekly in his lap and his head down.  When I entered the kitchen,
Jesse grabbed me and pulled me aside.

"So, who's the latest rescue?" he asked, with a sly grin.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I protested.

"Bullshit!" he said quietly, so only I could hear.  "You're always taking a
special interest when there's someone whose situation tugs at your
heartstrings.  I know all about the extra stuff you do for folks around
here.  Your heart's just too big to not get involved.  You can't fool me,
Eric.  So what's the story with the kid."

I gave him a brief synopsis while putting a tray of food together for
Jayson and me.  Knowing teen appetites, I doubled everything on his plate
and asked Jesse if he'd fix up some to go that I would help personally
deliver to Jayson's grandmother.

"Like I said, one of the good guys," said Jesse, giving me a bone-crushing
hug.  I think I even noticed that his eyes were a little moist.  "You and
Nurse Jackie take the boy and the food home and see what's the best way to
help them.  If you want, I've got a big garden tractor with a blade, and I
might be able to at least fix the road so y'all can get in and out easier."

"If I'm one of the good guys, the you're the absolute best," I said,
hugging him back.  Then, getting two glasses of iced tea, I loaded the tray
and went out to join Jayson.  He was still sitting with his head down and
still looking decidedly uncomfortable, but a look of relief crossed his
face when I sat down across from him with the tray of food in between.  His
eyes lit up like a kid at Christmas, as I placed the plate in front of him
loaded down with two large pulled pork barbeque sandwiches, a mound of cole
slaw and a pile of hush puppies.  He was practically drooling, and I was
surprised when he bowed his head in silent Grace before digging in.  My own
plate contained exactly half of what covered his, and even that was going
to be more than enough for me.  Then a thought occurred to me, and, after
excusing myself for a moment, went in search of Jackie.  I guess if she's
going to be involved in my plans for Jayson and his gramma, I'd better ask
her first!  I found her eating her own lunch in the exam room she used for
her office, going over some patient files.  I explained to her Jayson's
situation and asked if she'd be willing to go with me when I took him and
the food for his grandmother to his home.  She jumped at the chance to
help, and I left her to her lunch while I went back to my own, agreeing to
meet in about a half hour.  I hadn't been gone all that long, but Jayson
had managed to almost clear his plate.  The kid was obviously very hungry,
and I couldn't help but wonder just how long ago it was that they had
eaten.

As I gave Jayson the rundown for after lunch, I took a quick assessment of
the young man.  From his coloring and facial features, I'd have to say that
he was mixed blood - definitely African-American, with most likely Native
American mixed in.  He was wearing an over-sized sleeveless basketball-type
shirt, a pair of nylon shorts that came to just above his knees, and a pair
of the rattiest sneakers I've ever seen with duct tape wrapped around the
toe end of both, probably keeping the soles on.  He stood a few inches
shorter than my 5'11" and looked as though he might weigh 140 pounds on a
good day.  He had long black hair that hung to just below his shoulders in
a pony tail, a rather angular face with dark brown - almost black - eyes
that looked as though he could search your soul with them.  His nose was
just slightly wider than normal, giving testimony to his heritage, and
generous lips set over a slightly pointed and dimpled chin.  From what I
could see, his muscles were lean and well-developed, making me think that
they were a result of athletics - soccer, swimming, baseball, biking.
Those types of sports.  He also had a bubble butt that fit his sleek frame
perfectly.  All in all, the picture of a fit, active teen.  I wouldn't call
him handsome, but when he gave one of his rare smiles, it transformed his
face into one that was very attractive.

As I was telling him about the plans for after lunch, he seemed to get not
only more nervous, but also upset.  This really puzzled me, because I
thought he'd be glad for some help with his grandmother.  I could
understand him being embarrassed and uncomfortable with having to ask for
help.  Everyone has a certain amount of pride, and when they come to a
place in their lives when they just can't cope on their own, asking for
help seems like you're a failure and can't deal with your own life issues.
But there seemed to be something else at work here as well.

"Jayson," I finally said, " I know how hard it is to ask for help, but why
are you getting upset?  We just want to help you and your grandmother until
things improve."  He slapped his hand on the table to make sure he had my
full attention.  Boy!  Did he ever!  This was a side of the quiet and
polite young man I hadn't expected.

"You don't understand.  It's a fucking dump" he hissed, angrily.  "It's not
even nice enough to call it a shack.  I don't want anyone to see how we're
forced to live right now."  As quickly as it had appeared, the anger was
gone, and he started crying.  I quickly got up and went around and took him
in my arms, rubbing his back and stroking his head.  He threw his arms
around my waist, buried his head in my chest and started to sob.  My heart
was breaking for this young man, so full of such deep despair, grief and
uncertainty about life in general.  Not surprisingly, Jesse was soon at my
side, his huge arms around both of us in silent support, having seen
everything from the kitchen.  Jayson was still crying, although the sobbing
had stopped, and my shirt was now thoroughly soaked with his tears.  He was
most likely crying out at least a week's worth of uncertainty, fear,
frustration, anger, grief and guilt.  Guilt, because of all the other
emotions that he harbored, since it was his beloved grandmother who had
unwittingly brought them to this place and current situation.  I'm damn
sure she hadn't planned to break her leg, and he felt that he should be
totally supportive, not being pissed of at circumstances.  Nobody said a
word as Jayson finally calmed down.  God bless the others in the dining
room.  They had seen what was happening and left us alone, just about all
of them knowing what Jayson was going through, since they'd been there
themselves.  Jesse finally let go and stepped back, and I noticed his face
was as wet as mine in our shared sorrow over the plight of Jayson and his
grandmother.  With my arm around Jayson's shoulder, I led him to the
closest restroom and told him to wash his face and take some deep breaths.

"Take your time, and come out when you feel ready," I said, soothingly.
"We'll see where we go from there. OK?"  He put his arms around me and put
his head on my shoulder, seeking comfort like the kid he was.

"I'm sorry I had that meltdown in front of everyone," he said, softly.  "I
don't know what came over me."

"I do," I replied, as I held him close.  "You think you're in an impossible
situation with no way out.  I assure you, Jayson, it's not impossible and
there is a way out.  But you're going to have to trust me."

"That's the weirdest part of all this," he said, not moving his head or
arms.  "I don't even really know you, but I do trust you.  You make me feel
safe for the first time in a long time."  I have no idea what came over me,
but I kissed the side of his head.  I think it was from my memories of my
parents comforting me and doing the same.  At any rate, when I did that,
Jayson tightened his arms around me and sighed.

Just then, Jackie came through from the rec room, closely followed by
Jesse.  I hadn't even noticed he was gone.  He stepped behind Jayson, who
was still holding on, and put his large arms around us.  He rested his
forehead against mine a looked into my eyes.

"You boys gonna be OK now?" he asked, softly.

"I think so."  "Yeah." came from both of us, respectively.

"Good," said Jesse, stepping back and putting his big hand on Jayson's
shoulder.  "Why don't you come with me, and we'll get some food together
for your gramma.  While we do that, we'll let Eric and Nurse Jackie figure
out where we go from there."

"OK," he said, giving me a final hug before stepping back and looking deep
into my eyes with his own deep, soulful pools.  "I really don't have enough
words to thank you enough, Eric.  And thank you for trying to help, too."
He gave a small smile to Jackie and Jesse.

"OK, boy," said Jesse, clapping Jayson on the back with his big paw, "let's
go put together some grub for Grannie!"  As they walked off, I could hear
him laughing.  It's the first time I heard the sound, and it made my heart
soar as I smiled at their retreating backs.

"OK, Boss, here's the deal," said Jackie, bringing me back to the present.
I sat down, waiting to hear what she had to say.

"If we find that things are really as bad as Jayson says, you're going to
have house guests for the foreseeable future.  Whether or not we can get
his grandmother to move, you're going to be hosting Jayson, at least for a
few days. He needs a safe change of scenery, and I can't think of any place
better than yours.  Right now, he's hurting and mentally much too fragile
to go back there.  Lord knows, you've got the space. (She's one of the few
Center employees who I've invited to my house, Jesse being another.) You've
got 4 bedrooms, and I noticed you had all the bathrooms made handicap
accessible.  And if I remember right, even all the doorways are wide enough
to accommodate a wheel chair.  In the meantime, Jesse and I will take the
food out to the grandmother, and I have a 4-wheel drive with fairly high
clearance, so I shouldn't have any problems getting to the place.  But if
his grandmother is in as bad shape as he said she is, then I'm going to
insist that she also stay with you until she can get around on her own and
be able to be totally independent.  As a county health nurse, I can throw
my weight around pretty effectively when I have to.  And finally, (I
groaned!) while she's staying with you (I noticed it was no longer "if"),
the Center, meaning YOU (she knew about my financial involvement) are going
to get together a work crew, tear that old place down and build her a
small, 2-bedroom cottage, good for year 'round living, and see that there's
adequate water, sewerage and electric.  Any questions?"

"Are you expecting any?" I asked, trying to keep from laughing.

"Not a damn one!" was her reply.  "I think I laid it all out pretty
clearly."

"Yeah, you did," I said, finally letting it out and laughing heartily.  She
had her arms folded and was scowling at me.

"What's so damn funny!" she spat.

"You," I shot back, still giggling.  "I just wish I had a camera right now
so you could see the look on your face."

"Well...," she began, starting to relax.

"Look." I said, getting up and putting my arm around her shoulder.  "You
should know me well enough by now to know that I already was mentally
making plans for them, and you pretty much lined up everything I'd been
thinking.  I just wasn't sure if you guys would be behind me or not.  A lot
of people would look at this as meddling favoritism, but from what we know,
it sounds like this is a unique situation.  The biggest hurdle I see is
going to be the grandmother.  From what little I learned from Jayson,
they're both pretty prideful and reluctant to take what they see as
hand-outs, but I think he reached his breaking point today, so he should be
at least reluctantly agreeable to our plan.  And I have a hunch that as
goes Jayson, so goes Gramma.  Once she learns of what happened here today -
and I hope you intend to tell her - that will be the catalyst for being
able to put our plans into motion.  By the way.  I'm assuming your
4-wheeler is a pick-up."

"Yeah," she replied.  "It's got the extended cab with a bench seat and rear
doors , so she can keep her leg flat on the seat, and we should be able to
easily get her in and out.  And it's got a cap for the bed, so we can load
any immediate personal belongings they need and get the rest later.  The
main thing will be to get her out and into your place and settled in as
soon as possible.  Then I'll come back here to get the hospital-type stuff
you'll need, like bed pans, and especially a wheel chair and crutches for
later."

"I like the way you think on your feet," I said, just as Jayson and Jesse
came out of the kitchen, each carrying a large bag of food.

"You folks get everything figured out?" asked Jesse as they walked up to
us.

"Yeah," laughed Jackie.  "He finally understands where the bear shits!"
Jayson's eyebrows shot up and he started giggling.

"Did you tell Jayson any of our plans?" I asked Jesse.

"Yeah," he replied.  "I told him he'd be staying with you for a while.  His
grannie, too."

"Are you OK with that, Jayson?" I asked him.

"Yeah, I am," he said, with a shy smile.

"I figured you're gonna be busy enough," said Jesse.  "I've got all the
fixin's in here for the same thing we'll be having here at the Center.
Only difference is that the meatloaf needs to be cooked.  Just throw it in
a 350-degree oven along with some baking potatoes.  Put the collards on to
boil at the same time.  They're already washed and ready to go. Give 'em
about 20 minutes boiling, then drain 'em.  I've thrown in a few pieces of
thick slab bacon you're gonna want to chop up, throw it into the pot you
boiled the collards in, cook and stir it around until it's nice, brown and
crispy, then toss in the collards.  Mix everything together, grease and
all.  Not the most heart-healthy, but damn fine eatin'.  Even got some
bread puddin' for dessert."  Even though we'd recently eaten, I could tell
that Jesse's gustatorial litany was making Jayson hungry again.  Hell!!
Even I was hungry again!  With a round of hugs, we set off in pairs in
different directions but all with the same ultimate destination.  Life, as
we all knew it, was about to change - hopefully for the better for Jayson
and his grandmother.